A fine cohort of new citizens were formally recognised this morning by Deputy Superintendent Registrar, Clare (centre), assisted by another DSR, Nicola.
Particularly pleasing to be able to welcome so many families – all with many questions for the High Sheriff!
A simple and powerful message to all members of the Walton-on-Thames and broader Elmbridge community from Jackie Lodge, Chief Executive of this very special, and long established charity. Jackie and her team are focused on ‘local solutions for local needs’, and welcome new ideas and potential partnerships within the statutory, corporate and third sectors. The Walton Charity has roots going back some 800 years, and David Nish, a Trustee, has published an excellent book (below) providing the historical perspective;
The Charity makes grants to individuals, community projects, the food bank and to residents and tenants in the local community. The key areas of identified local need are affordable housing, transport and childcare, but other issues such as poverty, debt, poor health, domestic abuse, food and fuel poverty are firmly on the agenda!
There was great support from across Surrey for Nick Wood-Dow, President; the hard-working Committee and their wonderful volunteers at Egham Royal Show as rain failed to dampen spirits on the celebration of 160 years since foundation.
Surrounding the ‘throned’ Nick are (L-R) Julian Ellacott, deputy Mayor, Reigate & Banstead; Mary Sheldon, Deputy Mayor, Elmbridge; Dolsie Clarke, Mayor, Runnymede; Jean Pinkerton, Mayor, Spelthorne; Dan Adams, Mayor, Surrey Heath; Raj Haque, Chairman, Mole Valley and Peter Martin, Chairman, SCC. (All present wished Nick and Elizabeth very best wishes for their forthcoming wedding in October)
The Women’s Support Centre in Woking is a great example of all elements of expertise, professional specialism and support for women (and their families) coming together under one roof. This pioneering initiative undertaken by Woking Borough Council, and led from the top by CEO Ray Morgan, is now some 12 years old and goes from strength to strength. It is supported by WBC, SCC and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, David Munro. I was welcomed (from left) by Carole (Women In Prison), Donna (Surrey Family Services, SCC) and Camilla (WBC), and heard about the free and confidential services available for all women in Surrey, as well as some of the latest, impactful work around Women’s Justice Intervention and other UK-leading activities designed to ‘transform women’s justice’. The painting also has a story – the artist is a very talented young woman from the Sliding Doors group working programme, sponsored by SCC. Carole was keen to emphasise that self-referrals are very welcome, and there is no fixed period of time for any of the support – it is all designed around the needs of the individual.
As a record of the inaugural Summer Camp of the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets, this superb shot from a Surrey Police drone, expertly piloted by Graham, takes some beating! Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Robert Napier, called in to start the games session, and winning individuals and team were presented with awards at the end of the Camp. Thanks from all went to Sgt Graham Kerslake and Helen Hartley, Surrey Police, for their excellent leadership, and to Laura for her great organisation.
Helen joined me in thanking Graham, expert drone pilot, for his superb support.
Over 50 Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets have pitched tents at Surrey Police HQ for the first Summer Camp, organised by Sgt Graham Kerslake, Laura and the entire team of impressive volunteer Staff members from the six Units across the county;
Front (from left); Charlotte, Julie, Graham, Steph, Colin, Chris, Paul, Chris
Back (from right); Rob, Jason, Mark, Steve, Connor and Laura
I look forward to reporting on Day 2! In the meantime, congratulations to Connor on his excellent exam results and for securing his place at Warwick Uni (Connor was a cadet himself, and now serves as a member of staff – quite a journey!))
After all of the threatening weather during the day, the sun was shining against the wonderful backdrop of Loseley House for the Award Ceremony this afternoon. Lord Lieutenant, Michael More- Molyneux, joined Chief Constable, Nick Ephgrave, to lead the inspection of the impressive parade of 50 new officers.
The Chief Constable (centre) was supported by ACC Jeremy Burton, and I was professionally accompanied by the High Sheriff’s Police Cadet, Naeel Radha, who also joined the party inspecting the parade!
Two special awards were presented at the event, and our congratulations go to PC Natalie House (Surrey Police Standards Award) and PC Samantha Wrightman (Surrey Police Chief Constable’s Cup). Sam was also involved at the recent GCC ‘FISH’ initiative at Kings College, Guildford, catering for young people in the summer holidays, and demonstrated remarkable empathy with everyone under her care.
On the second Tuesday of each month, the VSA invites all veterans and families to drop in at the 3rd Molesey Scout Hut in St Peters Road, West Molesey for indoor archery and bowls, or simply free refreshments and brunch amongst friends. Other Forces charities also attend and today John Joyce (Founder) welcomed Adrianna Bennett-Yard from Help for Heroes.
Professor Paul Lazell, Principal, welcomed friends, supporters and volunteers alike to the wonderful Picture Gallery at Royal Holloway for a reception ahead of the 160th Egham Royal Show on 25/26 August.
‘Vintage’ inspiration was provided by this beautiful Alfa Romeo, in the magnificent setting of Founder’s Building, and is one of several heritage vehicles expected at the Show itself. HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, and Association President, Nick Wood-Dow, emphasised the critical role played by all volunteers in ensuring the continued success of the renowned Egham Royal Show, and looked forward to greeting the huge crowds expected at Caddey’s Field.
Many thanks to Eli Beckett, Fundraising & Partnership Executive, and Clive Stone, CEO, for a fascinating introduction to ‘Making Life Work with Mental Illness’. The well-equipped centre in Walnut Tree Close (just past the train station in Guildford centre) is certainly a place of calm, quiet and obvious welcome; but at the same time a hive of activity. The upholstery workshop, run by Steve, Master Upholsterer, and his team (above), was a revelation and produces work of the highest quality.
The 30 staff and 60 volunteers at Oakleaf also run workshops in IT and music, as well as numerous interactive sessions such as pilates – all whilst maintaining a Safe Haven and even providing food and refreshments. Lynne and volunteer David provide excellent coffee, as you can see! Watch out for photos of the presentation of IT Certificates to the proud graduates of the IT course – coming soon courtesy of Eli’s impressive photographic abilities. Outreach activity is also thriving and delivers socially inclusive events and opportunities for around 2,000 clients across Surrey. Great impact!
